Posted by JonWaiting for a friend recently in a rather nice fish restaurant in Edinburgh, as a gentleman and lady arrive at the next table. He’s obviously been here before, because he immediately comments, in a matter of fact way, “I’m just going to have their soup, then a lunchtime quickie.”

“WHAT?” she shrieked in sheer surprise.

He looked puzzled – then blushed, and passed her the menu. “Lunchtime quickie: £7.50, Monday to Friday. Mussels or seafood chowder with crusty bread, chips and a glass of wine.”

I suppose we do that in proposals, too – assume that the reader’s familiar with a particular phrase or concept. But I doubt it has quite as shocking an effect!​